The best camping near Myakka River State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Myakka River State Park adventure.

96% (13 reviews)

You're almost guaranteed to see some alligators in this wild ecosystem.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Myakka River State Park

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Myakka River State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Myakka River State Park

97%

(600)

By the Pond...

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents33 acres · Ruskin, FL

Stay by a lovely pond on 33 acre fruit and ornamental tree nursery property with great vibes. Located near I-75 just 20 miles South of Tampa, 35 miles east of Saint Petersburg, 35 miles North of Sarasota, 2 hours West of Orlando. This property is home to a farm/nursery operation and has a large pond on the west side. The pond is Spring-fed at the headwaters of Marsh Branch Creek which begins at our property and flows West about five miles in to Tampa Bay. Approximately 33 private acres allows for plenty of space between our campsites. Property is home to a farm with hundreds of fruit trees- Lychee, Mango, Starfruit, Papaya, Guava). Red Mombin, and thousands of banana plants. Fishing can be great, wildlife and bird watching too. Fenced and gated for safety, this old historic nursery property has good vibes and plenty to offer. Until you see it - you really may not understand. Parts of property are wide open, other areas are rugged and difficult to walk through including some wetland areas. The nursery has plenty of trees, and some fields -the large pond is surrounded by cattails and marsh/wetlands and has fish (Bass, Tilapia, Sunfish, Catfish). Several species of wildlife have been seen on the property. We think the property is lovely, and definitely want you to enjoy your camping experience!

99%

(87)

J and P Creekside Retreat

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Punta Gorda, FL

Nestled on an sprawling 16.8-acre expanse along the picturesque Shell Creek, our location is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The property is adorned with a lush canopy of diverse trees, showcasing an array of Oak, Hickory, Cypress, Pine, and Sable palms. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of our surroundings as you embark on a journey to boat, swim, and fish amidst the stunning natural beauty of Charlotte County, Florida. The waters of Shell Creek beckon you to explore its depths, while the vibrant native wildlife adds to the allure of our idyllic setting. Whether you're seeking a serene kayaking adventure or a leisurely paddleboarding excursion, we offer rentals to enhance your experience on the water. Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich biodiversity that define Charlotte County. From the rustling leaves of the Oak and Hickory trees to the graceful Cypress and Pine, our property is a testament to the beauty of Florida's natural habitat. Sable palms sway gently in the breeze, creating a soothing atmosphere that invites you to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. Indulge in the ultimate escape as you partake in the various activities our location has to offer. Whether you prefer a day of boating on Shell Creek, casting a line for a relaxing fishing session, or simply basking in the beauty of the surroundings, our 16.8-acre haven provides a perfect retreat. Experience the best of Charlotte County, Florida, where every moment is an opportunity to embrace the wonders of nature. Come and create lasting memories as you revel in the tranquility, adventure, and natural splendor our location has in abundance.

97%

(121)

Camp Champ

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Zolfo Springs, FL

Camp Champ is a family friendly adventure. Sits on 10 acres of land. On Charlie Creek we have a dock for easy access where you can fish, fossil hunt, kayak, canoe and trails to ride. Sit back and enjoy the campfire. Tons of nature and wildlife. You can tent camp, rent our RV or bring your own RV. We have electric, water, bathroom and outdoor kitchen. Game room with ping pong, darts, wiffle ball, corn hole, playground and swings. Plenty of shaded areas. You will absolutely love this place. Check out our new mini farm!!!!!

98%

(59)

Area 61 Camping

10 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Arcadia, FL

Area 61 is a natural 5 acre property with a creek that feeds into the Peace River. We have many different types of wild life that visit including white tail deer, turkeys, alligators, otters, armadillos and all types of birds including owls. We also have access to the Peace River for canoeing and kayaking trips. Along the creek we also have several terraced waterfalls that provide a wonderful wetland area for the wildlife.

92%

(152)

Tres Lagos Farm & Garden

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · North Fort Myers, FL

Tres Lagos Camping is part of the Florida agritourism initiative. Where travelers from all over the world come to experience and enjoy a different kind of florida. We’re a small 5 acre family farm involved in the cultivation and preservation of rare and endangered palms with many other edible tropical plants for our visitors to enjoy. You can view our palms at all stages of growth from seed to maturity. Enjoy our U-pick varieties of mangos, Caribbean cherries, sugar cane, bananas, coconuts and we’re adding more all the time. There is even a sugarcane maze and bamboo gardens in progress for the kids and adults to enjoy. But don’t forget your veggies! Get up close and personal with where some of your medicines and vegetables come from. We have some small areas for education about different medicinal plants like Turmeric, ginger, saw palmetto and a few others. Take the tours or classes or just sit back and enjoy the view! Hope to see you soon.

98%

(264)

Rasayana Cove

2 sites · Lodging25 acres · Ona, FL

Rasayana Cove is a 25-acre eco-retreat located in the heartland of west central Florida. An hour's drive east of Sarasota surrounded by vast tracts of orange groves and ranch land, Rasayana Cove has been operating as a small retreat center since 1995. The long eastern boundary borders Horse Creek, a major tributary of the Peace River. The property features two spring-fed ponds - one small and the other large. The cabins are accessible by well constructed shell-topped roads with good drainage and a variety of nature pathways. A natural ecosystem remains undisturbed in the middle of the property - a Florida bay head of native flora and wildlife. While most of the state is crowded and overdeveloped, this eco-retreat offers a haven of peace in the pristine nature of Florida

97%

(192)

Bell Oaks Ranch 5 min from Beach

10 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Englewood, FL

Going on Year 4 as a hipcamp host! We are so grateful to have met such wonderful guests over the years! This land is very special to us and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do. The perfect place to unwind and disconnect from the busy day to day surrounded by nature, farm animals and wildlife. Located in one of the best spots in SW Florida! Hiking trails, horse farms, shopping, restaurants, recreational activities and within minutes from the beautiful FL beaches. Ideal for a weekend getaway or a snowbird vacation!

98%

(64)

Gulf Coast Getaway

6 sites · RVs5 acres · North Fort Myers, FL

Gulf Coast Getaway is located in North Fort Myers Florida. Our RV Sites are located on raised-up gravel sites with 50 AMP electric hook-ups and water hook-ups. If you have any additional questions please feel free to send us a message. :) We are centrally located in the rural area of the Bayshore Community with only a 5-minute drive to I-75, a 20-minute drive to Downtown Fort Myers, and a 20-minute drive to Babcock Ranch. Being only 5 minutes away from I-75 makes it quick and easy to either drive down south to Bonita Springs to enjoy our local beaches or north to Punta Gorda to explore! Downtown Fort Myers is about a 20-minute drive and has many local restaurants and shops if you want to go out and about. They typically have events on the weekends like Art Walk and Music Walk! We are a 20-minute drive from Babcock Ranch which is the first solar-powered town in America. It is a community open to the public that has several walking/biking trails, a beautiful lake for kayaking/fishing, and a small dog park. They also have a restaurant (Lakehouse Kitchen & Bar) that looks out over the water and live entertainment on certain days of the week! If you are looking for a full farm-to-table experience, Buckingham Farms is 20 minutes from us and is a 85-acre farm with fresh produce grown hydroponically! We are also about 20 minutes from 31 Produce/Cracker Shack Cafe which is a local U-Pick farm that has seasonal fruits/vegetables available, as well as a restaurant, farm animals, and "gem mining"! With just a 1 to 2-minute drive, we have two parks, Nalle Grade Park and Pop Ash Creek Preserve, for those who enjoy nature walks, fishing, or birding. There are also a handful of other nature preserves and parks in the local area that are around a 20 to 25-minute drive! There are many other restaurants, parks, and local businesses nearby for you to enjoy if you want to get out and explore the local area! **We will interact as little or as much as you want.** ***We are a working farm/nursery open to the public Wednesday through Sunday 10am - 5pm*** ***We do NOT have an on-site dump station but there is a full-service Love's Travel Stop about 7 minutes away from us.***

98%

(95)

Cedarkirk Camp & Conf. Center

6 sites · RVs, Tents170 acres · Lithia, FL

Cedarkirk was founded in 1971 as a year-round camp and conference center that serves churches, not-for-profits, and schools. Our beautiful property and amenities exist for all people to enjoy recreation and renewal in nature. We own 170 acres of land, most of which looks like wild Florida has for thousands of years, and provides sanctuary for many native plants and animals. We are excited to welcome you to this "place apart."

90%

(66)

Sandy Bottom River Retreat

5 sites · Tents8 acres · Wimauma, FL

Learn more about this land:Come relax and rejuvenate in our private peaceful oasis. Surround yourself with the tranquility of the woods and private river access in this very rustic, near amenity-less experience; home to towering pine trees, fluffy saw palmettos, soaring air plants, you name it! Looking to spot a few critters? You’ll likely encounter squirrels, rabbit and may even find an occasional deer or hog. Bird watchers welcome, it’s easy to spot real beauties in this quiet untouched gem. Make your way down to the river for tubing, canoeing, wading or just picnicking on the bank overlooking the pristine golden sandy bottom where the water is almost always just knee high. Need to pick up snacks? You’ll be pleased to find that delivery is just one click away via Walmart, Instacart, Amazon and more but you’re also just minutes away from shopping, restaurants, entertainment and the interstate is no more than a 10 minute drive from the property :-)

100%

(3)

Owen's Family Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Lithia, FL

We are a small hobby farm in Lithia, FL, looking to provide boutique camp experiences for guests looking for a nature-based yet centrally located agro-tourism family environment. Our property is six acres, and the central feature is our natural spring-fed pond with gorgeous waterfront views. The camping designated area is a one-acre pasture across the pond from the farm house we live in. If you like privacy, you will be happy to know that we have very few designated RV and glamping sites. The property sits at the end of a private road in a quiet country-like setting with mature oak trees decorated with Spanish moss. The current inhabitants of our farm include our three mini-cows, Stormy, Lila, and Boots, two donkeys, Pancho, a standard, and Cindy Lou, a mini. Another two friendly faces you will see are Liza and Louise, two Kune-Kune sows. Other animals you will see everywhere are our chickens, ducks, and other wild birds. The chickens and ducks don't have names but are also filled with personality. Our farm is strategically located. We call it 'one-hour and ten-minutes to anything'. Here's why: We are an hour away from Disney World, Downtown Tampa, the downtown St. Petersburg and Clearwater beach. Most of Tampa Bay suburban areas are also under an hour away. We are also a little over an hour away from some of the most breathtaking springs in Florida. Alderman's Ford, a Hillsborough County conservation park with over seven miles of hiking trails, is within walking or biking distance. The park's most famous attraction is a 1.9-mile paved and one of the state's most popular canoe spots. The loop, which is hiker, dog-walker, and bicycle-friendly, links with a boardwalk and footbridges leading into shaded woods of gigantic cypress and oak trees. There is also a designated horse trail. About 10 minutes down the road, the Alafaia River State Park offers some of the most radical elevation changes in the state. This topography is uncommon for most of Florida, making the park a hot spot for mountain bikers, equestrians, and hikers. The hilly trails at Alafaia River total about 20 miles and run through forests, flatwoods, and lakes. Lithia Springs is also a 10 minute drive and is well-known for its natural spring which flows year-round, cool, and clean water. Great for swimming on a hot day. Also, all standard suburban amenities, including banks, franchised restaurants, fast food, grocery stores, nail and hair salons, coffee shops, urgent care, etc., are 10 minutes away. Inquire about staying at our farm today!

100%

(6)

Beach Glamping

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Bay Pines, FL

Affordable glamping located just minutes from the beach! Enjoy drinks by the pool, catch a gorgeous sunset at Madeira Beach, and relax by the fire pit in the evening. Check out one of the many delicious restaurants this area has to offer. This inviting camper has all the perks of a hotel, but for a fraction of the price.

The best camping near Myakka River State Park guide

Overview

About

Myakka River State Park shelters its namesake river with 58 square miles of hammocks, pine forests, and wildlife-filled wetlands. Campers flock here to spot rare creatures like the roseate spoonbill, the West Indian manatee, and the Florida panther, but the park’s most notorious inhabitants are its American alligators. Kayaking, canoeing, and guided airboat rides are popular ways to explore, as are the birdwalk boardwalks and the mountain biking and hiking trails deep in the backcountry. If you prefer more space between you and the gators, try the canopy walkway and treetop lookout tower. All Myakka River campsites feature 50-amp full hookups, picnic tables, and a fire ring.

Notable campgrounds

Best for families: Both the Old Prairie Campground and Palmetto Ridge Campground have laundry services and hot showers.
Best for lake lovers and hikers: The Big Flats Campground is right next to the Upper Myakka Lake.
Best for glamping: Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Myakka River log cabins will keep you covered and cozy.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Like at other Florida state parks, all campsites at Myakka River State Park can be reserved online or over the phone. Florida residents can make campsite reservations 11 months in advance, while non-residents can make reservations 10 months in advance.
Same-day reservations are also available online or by phone up to 1pm ET. After that, any remaining open sites are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
If in doubt about walk-in availability, it’s best to call the park.

When to go

Myakka River State Park is accessible year-round, but the summer heat, humidity, and rain can be tough for tent campers unaccustomed to South Florida’s tropical weather. Winters are more mild and pleasant, but bug spray and good hydration are necessary year-round.

Know before you go

This scenic river park is set about 20 miles east of Sarasota.
Boat tours run daily on the Upper Myakka Lake. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available on-site.
To hike or paddle to the Deep Hole, a popular gator hangout, arrive at the ranger station early—it opens at 8am and only 30 permits are issued daily.
The park café and camp store sell groceries and camping equipment.